We had a little Mexican Pot luck in my neighborhood the other night. It was tons of fun and so nice to have everyone out together and just enjoy each others’ company. Everyone brought a dish to share and it turned out perfect. I decided to go with carnitas. I looooooove this pork. It is one of the most simple ways to make carnitas, but it is so juicy and flavorful. I love that you just throw it in the crockpot and don’t think about it all day. You may wonder if with so few ingredients it’s really that delicious, but it is.
I made one big fat error this time around. You may not think it’s that big of a deal, but for me it is. At about 1230 in the afternoon I realized that I had not placed the pork in the crock. DANGIT!!!! I am a huge, huge believer in letting roasts, and all kinds of pork cook for 8 hours in the crock on low. It is soooooooooo much more juicy, tender and flavorful. I promise. This pork still turned out well, but it would have been 1 million times better if I had been more on top of things. SO, when you try this, don’t forget to slooooooow cook it.
What Is Carnita?
Carnita is a Mexican shredded meat.
The meat is braised or roasted, and is often used in tacos or burritos.
What Is Queso Fresco?
Queso Fresco is a semi-soft cheese, white in color.
It is often used in Mexican cuisine.
What Can You Substitute For Queso Fresco?
Feta cheese makes a good substitute for queso fresco.
You should choose a mild feta cheese to use in place of queso fresco.
Carnitas Recipe
Carnitas
Description
I looooooove this pork. It is one of the most simple ways to make carnitas, but it is so juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Corn Tortillas
- Queso Fresco, crumbled
- Cilantro, chopped
For the Rub
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
For the Pork
- 4 lbs Pork Shoulder/Butt, boneless
- 1/2 Onion, Chopped
- 3 Cloves of Garlic, pressed
- 1 Jalapeno, Seeded and chopped
- 1/4 Teaspoon Fresh Black Pepper
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 1 Orange, Juiced
- 1 Lime, Juiced
Instructions
- Starting one day ahead of time, Combine the rub and rub it all over the pork. Allow to sit, uncovered in the fridge overnight.
- Remove the pork from the fridge and allow to rest on the counter while you prepare the slow cooker.
- Combine all remaining ingredients in a bowl.
- Place the pork in the crockpot on low and pour over the remaining ingredients. Cook for 8-12 hours or until the meat is falling apart.
- We like to serve ours with warmed corn tortillas, cilantro and cotija or queso fresco and sometimes a little avocado.
Nutrition
Calories: 241kcal
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Kalyn
I’m drooling; this looks so good!
lesthook
Sounds really good!
Donna
Actually, the above comment from Donna is really me, Sandy, from Everyday Southwest.com. We have issues with our shared email, but we BOTH love you're take on pork carnitas!
Donna
We love pork carnitas! I've got to try these in the slow cooker-the perfect answer to over heating the kitchen in the summer heat. Hope you try the guacamole and bacon sandwiches. Let me know how you like them.
Carrian
I bet you could just turn the oven to 300 for 8 hours.
Jennifurla
Looks perfect….I just need a slow cooker